For years, geography seemed to give India an advantage that diplomacy could not easily challenge. Bangladesh shares a long border with India, depends heavily on regional connectivity, and maintains extensive economic links with its larger neighbour. Yet geography may bring countries together; it does not give one country the right to decide how the other should conduct its affairs. That is the message increasingly emerging from Dhaka, and New Delhi would be unwise to ignore it.

Bangladesh is not turning its back on India. Rather, it is attempting to redefine the relationship. The difference is important. Dhaka appears willing to cooperate with New Delhi, but increasingly on the basis of sovereign equality rather than political expectations. The proposed visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India illustrates this changing dynamic. Bangladesh has indicated that such a visit requires a “conducive environment”........

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